Germany Eliminated from Euro 2024 as Toni Kroos' Career Ends in Spain Heartbreak

Toni Kroos' hopes of ending his career with the elusive major trophy were dashed by Euro 2024's strongest team.

Spain substitute Mikel Merino delivered a decisive blow in the 119th minute of extra time, sealing Germany midfielder Kroos' retirement. Kroos had previously announced that this tournament would mark his farewell after retiring from club football following Real Madrid's Champions League victory.

Stuttgart fell silent as Real Sociedad's Merino found space near the goalmouth and headed in Dani Olmo's cross, leaving Kroos and his teammates visibly dismayed.

Earlier, Olmo had appeared to secure victory in regular time with a fine goal, only for Florian Wirtz to equalize for the hosts in the 88th minute, prolonging the drama for Julian Nagelsmann's side on their home turf.

Spain weathered an early setback with the loss of Barcelona's Pedri and endured some physical play from Germany in the first half. While Kai Havertz had a chance that he might have capitalized on, Spain dominated possession without seriously testing Manuel Neuer.

Ironically, it was Pedri's replacement, RB Leipzig's Dani Olmo, who broke the deadlock in the 51st minute. Previously overlooked in Luis de la Fuente's lineup, Olmo capitalized on his opportunity, finishing calmly from the edge of the penalty area after a precise pass from Yamal on the right wing.

In the second half, Luis de la Fuente made several substitutions, replacing his entire forward line, while Julian Nagelsmann opted for an attacking strategy, leaving Toni Kroos isolated in midfield with four players behind him and five ahead.

As the match neared its conclusion and Germany pushed for an equalizer, Florian Wirtz emerged as the hero. Maxi Mittelstädt's cross found Joshua Kimmich, who set up Wirtz to score with a composed finish off the far post, leveling the score. Wirtz, who had been relegated to the bench by Leroy Sane earlier in the tournament, came close to scoring again in extra time, narrowly missing the target.

Chelsea's Marc Cucurella survived a penalty appeal when Jamal Musiala's powerful shot struck his hand in extra time, but referee Anthony Taylor and VAR Stuart Attwell decided against awarding a penalty.

Then, in the dying moments of extra time, Mikel Merino, an unexpected hero, secured victory for Spain. Despite enduring German pressure, La Roja weathered the storm and clinched the win.

There was still a final chance for Germany as Nicklas Fullkrug's header narrowly missed the mark before Dani Carvajal received his second yellow card and was sent off.

With this result, Toni Kroos bid farewell to his career in tears after 844 professional matches, alongside his disappointed teammates. On the other side, Spain celebrated with their supporters, advancing to the next stage of the tournament.